The EVE project, a groundbreaking collaboration between
the Samoa Victim Support Group and University College
London (UCL) for Evidence of Violence Prevention,
successfully conducted a two-day community intervention
in the village of Vaie'e. The event aimed to address power
dynamics, inequalities, and the consequences of violence
within relationships, engaging 30 community members
consisting of high chiefs, women, and youth.
During the intervention, participants were given the
opportunity to express their perspectives on the concept
of intervention. The youth described it as the "faatufugaga
o le fale Samoa a tutulu ona toe uluulu ai lea o se lau fou
ina ia malu ma leai ai se tutulu, o se faafitauli e toe
talatalanoaina ina ia foi i se lelei" (the rebuilding of the
traditional Samoan house from its foundation to its roof,
symbolizing the restoration of harmony and the absence
of conflict, a process that encourages reflection leading to
positive change).
Conversely, the women stated that "o auala, metotia e toe
faufau ai ni lagona ma ni manatu e fofo ai ni faafitauli ina
ia sologa lelei mo aiga, nuu ma le Ekalesia" (it is a method to revisit thoughts and ideas, to find ways to
communicate effectively for the well-being of families, villages, and the Church).
Participants recognized the importance of knowing their status within the village, family, and church,
emphasizing its significance in building healthy relationships. Some participants expressed that dishonesty
is a major cause of violence, citing scriptures that God detests liars.
On the second day of the intervention, the focus shifted to achieving healthy, violence-free relationships,
leading to the formation of two groups: men and women. Through breakout sessions, participants
discussed various violence intervention scenarios and effective approaches to address them within
relationships. Some highlighted the importance of self-awareness, understanding one's rights within the
family, and actively working to minimize issues and abuse.
Several youth participants spoke out about the program's significance and expressed their commitment to
cease being rebellious within their village. A mother shared her agreement that the father should be the
head of the family, emphasizing this as a positive step forward.
The participants expressed their gratitude for the program, acknowledging its role in promoting awareness,
dialogue, and positive change within their community.
“The Community Intervention, as part of the EVE project, represents a vital step towards violence
prevention in Samoa. By engaging community members and fostering transformative discussions, this
collaboration between the Samoa Victim Support Group and University College London (UCL) aims to
create lasting change and promote healthy, violence-free relationships.” Siliniu Lina Chang, SVSG President